City's green dedication

Saturday

Jun 30, 2007 at 2:00 AM

PORTSMOUTH — With an array of Japanese lilacs, pin oaks, Washington Hawthorns and more, members of the Mayor's Blue Ribbon Committee on Trees and Public Greenery are putting their green thumbs to use. With the recent planting of approximately 30 shade trees around the city, Peter Loughlin, chairman of the committee, is keeping a close watch on the sudden drought that may impact the growth of the trees.

Sarah Hines

PORTSMOUTH — With an array of Japanese lilacs, pin oaks, Washington Hawthorns and more, members of the Mayor's Blue Ribbon Committee on Trees and Public Greenery are putting their green thumbs to use. With the recent planting of approximately 30 shade trees around the city, Peter Loughlin, chairman of the committee, is keeping a close watch on the sudden drought that may impact the growth of the trees.

Earlier this month, the committee, along with the help of the Public Works Department, replaced trees that had been removed previously and helped to beautify the city. Trees were planted all across the city, Loughlin said, but the majority were not directly planted on busy downtown streets.

The new shade trees are planted in both city and resident-owned areas, where residents are asked to manage the upkeep of the trees by watering them routinely. The trees are located on various streets, including Aldrich Road, South Street and Wibird Street, and in various parks, such as Haven and Langdon Park.

The trees are approximately 8-14 feet tall and 2.5-3.5 inches in diameter. The trees are at a critical point in their growth as they set their buds for the year. The present drought is putting a great deal of stress on the trees, said Loughlin.

"As I was driving down Broad Street the other day, I noticed a wilting tree," said Loughlin. He is hopeful the public will do their part and continue to water the trees while the dry weather continues

The committee started five years back through the aid of Mayor Sirrell. The need for the committee came about after the resident city arborist, Clotilde Straus, retired after approximately 20 years of service to the city.

"We meet once a month to review requests for tree removal and help to improve the streets with new trees," said Loughlin. "Every year we are given a tree budget, and during the spring and the fall we work to plant approximately 30 trees."

City Representative to the committee and member of the Public Works Department Everett Kern said that the city and citizens work together to beautify the city and repopulate the trees. Although he understands the heat of the summer and the lack of rain recently have been problematic, he has found that residents are doing their part and fully concentrating on the upkeep of the trees.

"Over-watering the trees is just as serious as a lack of water," said Kern. Despite the onset of a drought, Kern is optimistic that residents will continue to follow the watering instructions they were given and keep a close eye on the trees.

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